26 Sep Driving Green: Oil Changes and Beyond

If we have a vehicle, we all have to think about getting the routine oil change. While there are many other things you will need to do to keep your car running smoothly, routine oil changes is definitely at the top of the list. Routine oil changes also help to improve gas mileage and reduce the amount of emissions that your car puts out. When a car receives routine oil changes, it runs more smoothly which results in it burning less fuel and giving you optimum performance.  Again, less pollution = better environment. 

So how can we make our oil changes more environmentally friendly?

Use an “earth-friendly” automotive shop. You should use a service provider that will leave your vehicle and the environment in good working order. Have a mechanic/automotive shop that you love and find it hard to part with?  No worries.  Just ask them to start carrying eco-friendly products, such as G-Oil Bio-Synthetic Motor Oil.  After all you are the customer.  You would be surprised at the power of asking!

JD and Karla Longnion are Green Earth Oil Distributors which distribute G-Oil products.  They currently have about 20+ auto shops providing this eco-friendly oil.  And they want to put more of it in operating automotive shops in the Austin area.  What is G-Oil?

• Biodegradable, full synthetic bio-based motor oil
• Grown and made in the USA
• The world's first and only American Petroleum Institute's Service SM Certified Bio-based          motor oil
•  A blend of nature's American grown base oils
• NOT re-refined or recycled
• Meets ASTM's highest biodegradable ranking standard
• Will not biodegrade in your engine
• Non-toxic and has a hazard rating of 0
• Safe for people, wildlife and plants

Will it perform the same? JD (who is also a mechanic at his shop Green Earth Automotive) says that it will provide superior performance and protection.  Cost?  JD's shop provides this eco-friendly oil change for $55.00 and it will last 5,000 miles versus the standard 3,000 miles your conventional motor oil provides.

Other characteristics to look for when searching out a “greener” automotive shop includes using biodegradable cleaners to tackle spills, keeping parking lots and service bays clean to prevent rain from carrying toxic waste into storm drains, recycling oil, and taking extra precautions to prevent storage receptacles from leaking hazardous materials.

Did you know—-the improper disposal of motor oil, antifreeze, lead-acid batteries, and other components associated with routine automobile upkeep are a major contributor to pollution while the domestic automotive repair industry—repairs performed in autos shops and at one's home—is the leading source of small-quantity hazardous waste. 

In the case of motor oil, it's estimated that 180 million gallons of spent motor oil are disposed of in an unsafe manner each year. If the majority of the general public starting using biodegradable motor oil it could truly have a meaningful impact on the environment.

Did you know—Groundwater contaminated by 1 quart of oil can affect up to 250,000 gallons of drinking water. 

Be sure to catch JD and Karla Longnion at Soul Explosion & Green Living Expo from October 1-2, 2011. JD & Karla will be speaking at 5:00 pm on Saturday in Lecture Room 1 on "Greening Your Car". Learn more ways to green your car from these experts!

Take care of your car, take care of our planet, and save your money, ask your automotive service provider for a GREEN oil service today!